Office of the VP for Communications – Keeping alumni and friends connected to U-M

The ‘real’ real world

U-M is the nation’s top-rated public university, so it should surprise no one that Wolverines embrace public engagement with a passion.

Bales of fun

Some 22 students in U-M’s “Green Building” course recently completed construction of a “straw bale house.” Poised on a hilltop overlooking Douglas Lake at the U-M Biological Station, it is the University’s first foray into straw bale building, and the first student-built structure in more than 100 years. (Image: Michigan Photography.)

Brushing up

University of Michigan dental students often deliver care through free clinics in low-income communities. In 2017, a team of students traveled all the way to Kenya and shared some valuable tips about dental health and preventative care. (Image: U-M School of Dentistry.)

Testing, testing

Engineering student Brad Ebenhoeh tests a variety of assistive software developed by peers in electrical engineering and computer science. Students designed the software based around Ebenhoeh’s physical disability — paralysis of portions of his body — resulting from a brain hemorrhage he suffered when he was a 19-year-old sophomore in U-M’s College of Engineering. (Image: Joseph Xu.)

Sunshine state

Students on the 2017 Solar Car team continue to refine technology with far-reaching real-world applications. Earlier this month, the team and its car, Novum, took second place in the World Solar Car Challenge. (Image: College of Engineering.)

March for science

Michigan scientists and science supporters met on the steps of Washington, D.C.’s, National Museum of Natural History at the March for Science in April. Professor Meg Duffy, who spoke at the march, stands front and center with her arm around neuroscience researcher and science communicator Elyse Aurbach. (Photo courtesy of Elyse Aurbach.)

Keep it simple

U-M School of Public Health researchers partnered with Ethiopia’s Public Health Institute to help systematize cancer screenings and educate the public. Read more about the project. (Image: Mandira Banerjee.)

Dig this

Medical School students represented Fitzbutler House at U-M’s Campus Farm during an annual service day. The future physicians planted vegetables, sampled produce off the vine, and helped with garden maintenance. (Image: Medical School.)

Dare to dream

School of Social work students supported the DACA dreamers in September. The status of students in the DACA program (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) remains unclear. (Image: School of Social Work.)

Dress for success

Students in the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at Michigan Ross get suited up at Pfizer as they seek to solve an actual operational issue for the global corporation. (Image: Tauber Institute.)

May I have this dance

Dance Marathon is an all-consuming, year-round effort by U-M students who support children with disabilities. In 2017, marathoners raised more than $500,000 for children and their families. (Image: U-M Dance Marathon.)